What Is Marjoram Plant And Essential Oil
Are you familiar with marjoram essential oil and its wonderful health benefits?
This oil is extracted from Origanum marjorana plant and usually use as treatment oil for individuals with sleep apnea along with other essential oils with the same effect.
But there are more benefits that marjoram oil can offer. Discover what these are.
About Marjoram Plant
Marjoram plant is an herb cultivated in the Mediterranean region. The ones called ‘sweet marjoram’ is the Origanum marjorana specie. It is always confused with ‘wild marjoram’ oregano.
Both plants have a lot in common, since they belong in the same genus, the Origanum. Sweet marjoram has a finer texture and milder mint flavor while oregano has robust scent and flavor. Because of their likeness, oregano is the common substitute of marjoram in some treatment oil mixture.
Sweet marjoram oil is usually yellow green in color, warm, spicy and with camphor-like aroma. To add, another variety is the Spanish marjoram oil which has a red-orange color.
According to history, Greeks and Romans called marjoram “joy of the mountain” and used to offer this oil to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. This led to most of them to use this oil as a love potion.
Uses And Benefits
Today, sweet marjoram oil focuses on health and culinary purposes.
Healthwise, marjoram oil is used to:
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Smelling of marjoram essential oil is an effective vasodilatation. It reduces cardiac strain and decreases blood pressure by lowering sympathetic nervous system and stimulating parasympathetic nervous system.
Reduce Muscle Tension
Most massage therapists add marjoram oil in their lotion or massage oil to relieve muscle tightness as well as headache caused by tension.
It is packed with natural therapeutic properties which calms both body and mind. You can add marjoram oil to your bathwater, or try diffusing it in your home to alleviate stress and relax your mood.
Blend with other essential oils
Blend excellently with other oils to induce calming, relaxing and sedative effects on the whole body. It works effectively for those who find it difficult to have a goodnight sleep.
Treat Other Health Issues
Majoram essential oil has been shown to have positive results in treating cough, runny nose, dizziness, and migraine.
In the culinary aspect, sweet marjoram fresh or dried leaves and flowers are popularly added to most common dishes like soups, salads and other recipes.
Precautions
For medicinal purposes, this herb is safe to be taken by mouth but only for a short period of time. If taken for a longer durations, it may encourage cancer cell growth.
Take note if you are allergic to oregano, then you’re probably allergic to marjoram as well.
Always check with your doctor if you have any health concerns before taking marjoram products.